October 15th 2006

Today we held our October meeting. Our November meeting will be on Saturday Nov. 18, 2006 at 2 pm at Beagle Books, right ahead of our Book Release Party. (There is a slight chance we might have to reschedule the book release party if the books are late–but for now, that is the plan.)

Present today: Sharon, Jerry, John, LuAnne, and Russ.

BOOK SIGNING:
Will Weaver book signing, Saturday Nov. 25 at Beagle Books in Park Rapids from 11 to 1 o’clock. This is for the new book Sweet Land and a re-release of Red Earth White Earth. The movie Sweet Land was released in the cities on Friday Oct. 13.

WRITE A NOVEL IN A MONTH:
November is National Write A Novel in a Month month. 50,000 words in 30 days. What you write doesn’t matter–no one will read your work unless you make them. If you want to learn more, go to www.nanowrimo.org. Last year 63,000 people participated world wide. about 17% finished. Last year 17 brave souls from the JWB took the challenge. Five finished. If you want to do this, email Cindie Ekren at cindiee@hotmail.com.

TALKING STICK 15:
The books are scheduled to be here by November 14. The book seemed like such a struggle this year with one problem after another so we are behind schedule. It will definitely be worth the wait. We have the book release party scheduled for Saturday, November 15, at Beagle Books at 4 pm.

POETRY CLASS LOUANN MUHM:
The October Tuesday evening poetry class was cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

SINCLAIR LEWIS WRITERS’ CONFERENCE:
Russ and Jerry both attended this conference on Saturday, October 14 at Sauk Center, MN. There were 3 presenters: Faith Sullivan, Barton Suttler, and Carolyn Howard-Johnson/Roger Starkemp. They reported that it was well attended. Faith said great things about writing groups, especially JWB and mentioned our books. Barton Suttler may be someone we might ask to do a workshop here someday or perhaps he could be a judge for our next book.

FICTION WRITERS FESTIVAL AT THE LOFT:
October 27 and 28. For more information, go to www.loft.org/index or call 612-379-8999.

JERRY’S BOOK:
Jerry reports that he is 80% there with Holy Cow! Press with his book of short stories.

Great meeting!! See you next time.